Chinese BBQ Grilled Seafood Salad is a light yet flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of grilled seafood with a refreshing, crisp salad. This vibrant meal is perfect for warm weather, offering a balance of savory, tangy, and umami flavors from the unique blend of Chinese BBQ marinade and fresh vegetables.
The seafood for this salad typically includes a mix of shrimp, scallops, and fish, all marinated in a sweet and savory Chinese BBQ sauce. The marinade often features ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a touch of Chinese five-spice powder, which gives the seafood a fragrant and slightly smoky flavor. Once marinated, the seafood is grilled until just cooked through, with a nice char on the outside to enhance its natural sweetness.
The salad base is made up of a variety of fresh, crunchy vegetables like cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. These add texture and freshness, making the salad light and vibrant. Fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint are often included to add a burst of flavor, while a simple dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a dash of soy sauce brings it all together with a subtle tang.
To assemble the salad, the grilled seafood is placed on top of the chilled vegetable mix, and everything is tossed lightly to combine. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or sliced chili for an extra layer of crunch and heat. The combination of smoky, tender seafood with the coolness of the salad makes each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Chinese BBQ Grilled Seafood Salad is an excellent dish for any occasion, from a light lunch to a dinner party starter. It’s easy to make, and the grilled seafood gives it a gourmet touch while the crisp vegetables keep it healthy and fresh. Serve it as is, or pair it with steamed basmati rice or noodles for a more filling meal. This salad offers a perfect balance of flavors that celebrates the unique tastes of Chinese BBQ cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 pound calamari cleaned and sliced
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- red onion small, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five spice powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place shrimp, calamari, and scallops in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the seafood and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Thread the shrimp, calamari, and scallops onto skewers.
- Grill the seafood skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove the seafood from the skewers and place in a large bowl. Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
- Serve the salad as is, or on a bed of lettuce or rice noodles.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
seafood ain’t my fav but this looks good. can i use chicken instead?
You can try it with chicken! Just cook it a bit longer. 😊
I wish it was easier to make. I got lost halfway through the instructions lol. Too many steps.
It was good, but I think there are too many ingredients. A bit overwhelming!
I totally get that! Sometimes less is more. Maybe try cutting down on the veggies?
Grilled seafood salad = best summer dish ever. 🌞 So fresh!
Tasty! But, like, do I have to grill it? What if I just boil the seafood? Will it taste the same? 🤔
Grilling gives it a nice char taste. Boiling might make it kinda bland… 🤷♂️
You can boil it, but it won’t have that smoky flavor from grilling! Just sayin’.
Took me a while to prep all the ingredients, but the end result was worth it! The seafood was tender and juicy.
Where do you find Chinese 5 spice? I wanna try it out but can’t find it in stores.
I don’t know… doesn’t seem very authentic to me. Where’s the traditional recipes at? Chef must be confused.
I thought it was just ok. My kids didn’t like the sauce, too sweet for them.
Kids can be picky! I loved it but my 5-year-old wouldn’t touch anything green… Lol.
Maybe try reducing the honey next time? Sounds like a great recipe otherwise!
Not sure if I did sumptin wrong, but it didn’t taste like much. Needs more spice, I think.
I dunno about all this. Seems like too many ingredients for a salad. How about just tossing some shrimp with a bit of lemon?
Delicious and fresh! Made it for a BBQ party and my friends went nuts! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds amazing! I’m planning to try it for my next get-together!
Not a fan of seafood, but my husband loved it! He said this is a keeper.
I don’t like seafood that much, but this was tasty! My husband loved it! 😋
I tried making this but my seafood got burnt on the grill. Maybe needs less time? Idk if it was me or the recipe.
Absolutely loved this recipe! The combination of flavors was to die for. Will definitely make again.
Absolutely loved this recipe! The flavors were incredible! Would definitely make it again.
It was okay… but I think the five spice was too much for my taste. Not really for me.
Who has time to grill seafood? I just boiled mine and it was fine. Can’t imagine firing up the grill for this.
Too much going on here for my taste. The five spice was overwhelming. I like things simple, you know?
I used shrimp and scallops only because I ain’t got calamari. Still turned out delicious! 😋
Yum! I swapped out calamari for lobster and it turned out amazing! Gonna be a regular in my meal prep.
Seafood salad? Not my thing! But looks cool 🤷♂️
Loved this recipe! The seafood was so fresh and the flavors were on point. Will definitely make it again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Fresh seafood really does make such a difference. Have you tried adding different veggies to it?
I dunno, seafood salad? 🤔 Sounds kinda weird to me. Can’t believe it was good. How does it even taste like?
This is not authentic Chinese food at all. I’ve eaten real Chinese BBQ and this ain’t it.
Looks fancy but not sure if it’s worth the effort. Who has time to marinate seafood and grill? Just saying.
Wow, just wow! I didn’t think I could make something this good at home! Perfect for summer BBQs!
This sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it. Perfect for summer gatherings. Thanks for sharing!
I dunno… Seafood salad? Sounds kinda weird for BBQ. Just stick to burgers, right?
Yum! The honey gives it a sweet touch. I added some chili flakes for a kick. Delicious!
Can u make this with chicken instead of seafood? I don’t eat fish. Thx!
Seafood salad? More like heaven on a plate! Loved it!
Totally agree, this salad was amazing! The flavors just blend so well! 😍
Yum! But where’s the lettuce in the ingredients list? I had to add my own.
Seafood salad? What’s that? I thought it was tacos. LOL.
LOL, it’s definitely not tacos! But trust me, this seafood salad sounds delicious! 😋
Just wow! The char on the seafood was perfection! Keep it up!
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been looking for a seafood recipe to impress my friends. This one looks great!
So freakin’ good! I can’t believe how easy it was. Even my partner who hates seafood loved it!
I’m so glad you loved it! That flavor combo is bomb! Can’t wait to make it myself!
Real easy to make, but my calamari ended up rubbery. Meant to grill for only 2 mins per side I think.
Maybe you grilled them a bit too long? Calamari can turn rubbery if overcooked. Try 1-2 mins next time! Good luck!
I tried this for the first time and it was a disaster. The seafood got burnt on the grill! Not sure if I did it wrong.
Absolutely delicious! The flavors merged beautifully, it’s a hit at my BBQ parties.
I accidentally used shrimp paste instead of soy sauce 😅 ended up being really bad, but my friends thought it was a new recipe! LOL.
This salad was a hit at my BBQ! The flavors were incredible. Definitely making again!
One of the best salads I’ve ever had! Grilling the seafood made it so tasty. A perfect summer dish.
Wasn’t really impressed. The sauce was kinda too sweet for my taste. I guess I’ll stick to my plain old grilled shrimp.
You must not know how to appreciate good flavors, that sauce is great! The sweetness balances everything out!
I hear ya! Some people love that sweet flavor, but it’s not for everyone. I usually go for a spicier option myself!
Honestly, wasn’t a fan. The ginger and hoisin combo was too strong for me.
This salad is AMAZING! The flavors are incredible and the seafood grilled just right. Highly recommend! I’m making it again next week!
I tried making this too! It was a bit hard to grill the seafood, but it still tasted good. Maybe I just need more practice.
I didnt have ginger and forgot the cilantro, but it still turned out pretty good!!
Glad it turned out good! I’ve done that before too, sometimes you just gotta improvise in the kitchen. What else would you recommend with this?
My dad says seafood shouldnt be grilled! He’s old-fashioned 😂 But I loved it!
I dunno, I always hear seafood is best cooked wet? But I guess grilled is okay if you like it. Still sounds good!
Haha, your dad’s just a bit behind the times! Grilled seafood is delish! Great recipe!
Simple to follow but I think there should be less garlic! Just my opinion.
This recipe was a hit at my family barbecue! Everyone loved the flavors! 🌟
I’m so glad to hear that! This salad is soooo flavorful! 🥳
So good but where’s the spice? I like it hot! 🌶️
Spice? Never heard of that for seafood salads. But I guess you can add hot stuff if you want. 🤷♂️
I totally agree! A dash of chili flakes or some sriracha would make it pop! 🌶️🔥
Yum!! Made it for my friends and they just kept raving about it! 🔥
I swapped the seafood for chicken… is that still exotic enough? 🤔
Chicken sounds good! Just gotta make that sauce super flavorful to make up for the seafood. 😄
The seafood cooked unevenly for me on the skewers. Maybe my pieces were different sizes, or my grill hot spots were acting up. I’d still eat it though.
OMG, this is mouthwatering! I could eat this every day! 😍
Too many ingredients! I don’t have time for all this prep. Just stick to the shrimp!
I didn’t have hoisin sauce, so I used ketchup instead. It was not great, lol.
The salad part is way better than I expected. The cherry tomatoes and cilantro make it bright, not just sweet-salty. Great balance.
Totally agree—those cherry tomatoes + cilantro really wake it up. I’m always skeptical of “seafood salad” but this balance sounds spot on.
This salad was a hit at my BBQ! The flavors were so vibrant and fresh.
My family loved this! I used less honey and added some sriracha for a kick. So good!
Seafood salad? More like seafood disaster. The flavors don’t go together at all. I’m confused.
The recipe is solid but my grill broke so I cooked it in the oven. Still good!
Made this for a weeknight and it was shockingly good—sweet-savory marinade really brings the seafood to life. I charred mine a bit more and it was perfect. Will do again!
Can you make this without the seafood? I ain’t a fan of fish.
You could just substitute the seafood with grilled chicken or tofu! It should still be pretty good.
This salad was delicious! The marinade is perfect. Will make again!
I’m glad you loved it! The marinade really makes all the difference, doesn’t it? What a great choice for summer!
Sounds good but I don’t know about seafood in a salad… Seems weird. Can fish even be in salads? Also, what is hoisin sauce?
Eh, didn’t impress me much. Too many ingredients for my liking. I just wanted a simple salad.
The ingredient list is kinda wild (in a good way). I love how it turns grilled seafood into a “salad” without making it boring.
Not sure about the five spice with seafood salad… I feel like it could taste like dessert? Maybe I’m wrong. Also 1 cup cilantro feels like a LOT 😂
This combo sounds FIRE. The sweet/gingery hoisin-honey with the five spice is gonna char up so nice. “Salad” but still BBQ vibes—love it.
Made this for dinner and the marinade is legit—sweet, garlicky, with that five-spice punch. Seafood charred just right. I served it over rice noodles and it was gone fast.
Yes!! That five-spice + honey/hoisin combo is exactly the kind of sweet-savory that makes seafood taste restaurant-level. Glad yours charred right too 👏
I didn’t have calamari, used fish filets instead and it was still great. Yum!
Made this for dinner and wow—marinade is super flavorful. The five spice + ginger combo really shines with the char from the grill. I served it over rice noodles and it was a hit.
What the heck is hoisin? I just threw some ketchup on mine. 🤷♂️
I made this for a friend’s BBQ night and everyone kept asking what the sauce was. I didn’t have five spice so I used garam masala and it still worked surprisingly well.
That’s awesome—BBQ nights are where sauces get put to the test 😄 Garam masala is a very smart swap for five spice. I’m curious though: did you notice it tasted more warm/spicy or more fragrant like the original?
This marinade is 🔥. The five spice + ginger combo really makes the seafood taste “restaurant” level. I charred mine a tiny bit more and it was perfect.
Too much soy sauce for my taste. Will reduce next time.
I made something similar but my seafood turned rubbery because I over-grilled 😅 The 3–4 minutes per side seems spot on though. I’ll try it and watch closely.
Delicious! I will make this every week! 🥳
Made this for dinner last night—marinade smelled amazing. The seafood charred perfectly and the peppers still had a nice crunch. Would absolutely grill again.
Simple and tasty! My picky friend went back for seconds lol.
I’m a lil picky too, so if it got seconds for your friend that’s huge lol. Did you marinate the full 10 minutes or longer?
Love hearing that! I bet the marinade is doing all the heavy lifting—sweet, salty, and a little smoky. 😄
Not gonna lie, 3-4 minutes per side felt like a lot for shrimp. Mine went from perfect to a bit tough. Still tasty, but timing needs attention.
Totally agree—shrimp especially goes from “perfect” to “rubbery” fast. I do more like 2–3 min per side and watch for that just-cooked curl.
The marinade smells incredible, but I didn’t love how sweet it was—more honey than I expected. Could be my palate, but I’d cut honey in half next time.
Mixed feelings. Great flavor, but it’s a lot of seafood for one salad—like, I’d call it a main dish not a salad.
Totally get that—when you’re using that much seafood it’s basically a full-on main. Still though, that sweet-savory BBQ glaze sounds 🔥.
I didn’t have scallops, so I used tilapia instead. It turned out alright, but the seafood was too mushy. Next time, I’ll stick to the recipe.
Really flavorful, but 3-4 minutes per side felt short for my scallops (they were still a little rubbery). Next time I’ll check earlier and maybe lower the grill temp a notch.
Not bad, but I found it a little salty. I think next time I’ll reduce the soy sauce or use low-sodium. Otherwise directions were easy.
Wow—sounds legit!
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about combining all this seafood. But wow, it worked!
I followed it exactly and it tasted like sweet soy sauce (in a good way) but the salad portion felt a little under-seasoned. Add extra salt/pepper to the veggies and it pops.
Quick tip: don’t overcrowd the skewers. I did and they didn’t char evenly. Still ended up good, just less pretty.
lol I do the opposite and just stack em like a burrito 😅 Mine also comes out uneven. Still tasty tho. Next time I’ll try not crowding. Also, do you think longer marinating fixes it or nah?
So true—when you overcrowd, the heat can’t circulate and you get that patchy “not really char” situation. I’ve started doing fewer skewers per batch and it makes a big difference. Thanks for the quick tip!
This sounds dangerously good—five spice + honey + hoisin is such a combo. I’d probably marinate a bit longer than 10 min for extra flavor.
Ummm this is basically sweet-salty BBQ seafood salad—sounds weird but I’m curious. If it comes out charred and tasty, I’m sold. 10/10? maybe.
Not sure about using both calamari and scallops in the same skewer. Calamari usually needs more time, and scallops dry out fast… did you find a sweet spot?
Yeah I was worried too, but the trick for me was making the calamari thinner and not marinating it too long. 3-4 minutes per side max seemed to work—scallops were still juicy.
Pretty good overall. I might have over-marinated the seafood though (I did like 30 mins) and the calamari got a little chewy. Still tasty—next time I’ll stick to the 10 minutes.
I’m not usually a “marinade” person but wow. Next time I’ll let it sit the full 15-20 mins, not just 10. Also, the cilantro at the end really brightens it.
Not gonna lie, the ingredient list is a lot and I had to run to the store for five-spice. Once I got it though, the taste was legit. Salad was bright and the seafood stayed tender.
Made this last night—super flavorful marinade! The five-spice + honey combo is money. I grilled a little longer for my scallops so they wouldn’t be rubbery, and it turned out great.
Yes!! The five-spice + honey is such a good move—sweet, savory, and not boring. I also go a touch longer on scallops and same result: juicy not rubbery.
I was skeptical about hoisin with seafood, but wow—balanced and not too sweet. Next time I’ll marinate the full 20 minutes instead of 10.
Totally feel you! Hoisin can be so sweet on its own, but with the soy + ginger + five spice it actually makes sense. I’m trying the full 20 minutes next time too.
Interesting… I used hoisin with shrimp once and it was way too sticky/sweet. Yours sounds balanced though—maybe I didn’t add enough acid or aromatics. Any thoughts on swapping honey for less?
Looks tasty, but 1 inch ginger??? Mine’s never that big. Also I didn’t have hoisin, used something else and it was… fine. I’d try again with proper ingredients.
Kinda bland to me. Maybe I didn’t salt enough? I used low-sodium soy sauce and everything tasted muted. I’d increase garlic/ginger next time.
Mine stuck to the grill a bit, so I’d recommend oiling the grates or brushing the skewers. Flavor was on point even with the mess.
I tried grilling shrimp on skewers and they stuck a little. Also my bell peppers were kinda raw after. Maybe cut them thinner or grill for a few minutes first—still decent though.
Good notes! Shrimp can definitely stick if the grill isn’t really hot or lightly oiled. I usually oil the grates right before cooking and the skewers too. Bell peppers might just need a quick par-grill—thin slices help a ton.
Super easy and looks fancy. Would feed guests no problem. Also, shrimp skewers cook fast so don’t walk away!
Ok but… I think 1 inch ginger for 1 batch is too much. My marinade tasted like gingerbread 😅. Reduced it next time and it was way better.
Not gonna lie, the measurements are kinda confusing. Like is it 1 tbsp sesame oil or 1 tsp? Also I don’t have hoisin—could sub teriyaki?
I totally get you—these recipes can be unclear. In this one it’s definitely **1 tbsp sesame oil** (not tsp). The sauce mix is written with tablespoons for soy/hoisin/honey/sesame, then garlic/ginger/five spice get smaller units.
For the sesame oil: go with **1 tbsp**. It’s in the marinade, so you want enough fat to carry the flavors.
3-4 minutes per side on the grill feels risky for scallops—mine went a little rubbery. Maybe my grill was hotter than medium-high.
Wow, the five spice + ginger combo really makes the seafood taste “restaurant-level.” I did 3 minutes per side and got perfect char without rubbery texture.
Yes!! The five spice/ginger combo is magic with seafood. I did 3 min per side too and mine came out similar—nice char, not rubbery at all.
Nice… I’ve been afraid of five spice with shellfish, like it might overpower it. But your timing sounds spot-on. Going to try your exact 3 minutes per side next time.
Not gonna lie… I didn’t have Chinese five spice so I used pumpkin pie spice (yes, I know). It was weirdly sweet and not the vibe. Will try with the real thing next time.
Honestly, I’d call that a fair experiment 😂 Five spice and pumpkin pie spice aren’t twins, but sweet notes happen. I’d just reduce the honey a bit next time.
Not sure about “calamari 1 pound” plus shrimp and scallops… that’s a lot of different textures. I guess it works, but my grill time might’ve been off because the calamari got a bit tough.
I don’t have five spice so I subbed with cumin and paprika… yeah no. It tasted more like tacos than Chinese BBQ 😂
I love grilled seafood but I’m skeptical about mixing all those sauces—seems like it could be sweet. Turns out it’s balanced, though. Nice char too.
Wow, this smells amazing while grilling. I loved the combo of bell peppers and cilantro with the sticky-sweet sauce.
Confession: I used regular barbecue sauce instead of hoisin once… it was not the same 😅 But with the correct hoisin, it’s legit.
I’m not sure about the hoisin amount—2 tbsp was kinda strong for me. I’d probably start with 1 tbsp and adjust. Still tasty overall.
Totally agree—2 tbsp hoisin is bold. I did 1 tbsp once and it was way more balanced. Great call on starting lower!
I made it last weekend and the seafood actually stayed tender. The slight char adds a lot. Next time I’ll marinate a bit longer than 10 minutes.
I tried this and my seafood got a little chewy—maybe I overcooked? I only grilled like 2 mins each side. Still tasted good though, the sauce is legit.
Glad it worked for you! The 10 minutes might be enough for shrimp, but calamari/scallops usually love a bit longer to soak in that five-spice flavor.
Tried this last night—marinade is seriously flavorful. The five spice + honey combo makes the seafood taste like it came from a street market. I did 4 min per side and it was perfect.
Wow, this marinade sounds super flavorful—five spice + hoisin + honey is a great combo. I’d probably double it just to make sure everything’s coated.
Looks cool, but I dunno if I got the five spice right. I used whatever spice mix I had and it still tasted good. Easy recipe!
Pretty good! My bell peppers were crunchy and the cilantro made it taste fresh. I served it over lettuce like you suggested and it worked.
Solid idea, but 3-4 minutes per side was a bit much for my shrimp—mine got tough. Calamari handled it better though. If you try it, keep an eye on the shrimp.
This is delicious but also a lot of work. I ended up buying pre-cleaned seafood and that saved my sanity. Marinade is the star.
Made this for dinner and it was honestly too sweet for me. I think 2 tbsp honey is a lot—next time I’ll cut it in half and add more soy/pepper.
I totally get that—2 tbsp honey is kinda generous. I’ve done 1 tbsp honey + extra soy/ginger and it balanced out way better. Great call on adding more pepper too.
The instructions are clear, but 3-4 minutes per side seems like a guess depending on grill temp. I’d like a doneness guide—shrimp curled and opaque is easy, but scallops are tricky.
I’m skeptical about hoisin + honey with seafood, but okay… it actually works. Probably because the sesame oil rounds it out. Would make again, but I’d add extra ginger.
Five spice + hoisin + honey sounds too sweet. I’m skeptical but I tried it. It’s actually balanced… still, I’d cut the honey in half for my taste.
Not sure about grilling calamari that long—mine got chewy fast. Maybe my grill temp was higher than medium-high. Still, the salad part was fresh and tasty.
Flavor is good, but the ingredient list is kinda chaotic—like the “1 pound scallops” line has no “cleaned and sliced” or anything. I prepped them anyway and it was fine, just wish the instructions were clearer.
Yeah I totally get that—“1 pound scallops” without prep details is kinda vague. If you’re not already comfortable cleaning/slicing them, it’s confusing. Still, glad it turned out fine for you!
Tried it but my calamari got a little rubbery. Next time I’ll shorten the grill time and definitely won’t overcook. Flavor still great though!
This makes sense. I think 3–4 min per side can be a lot depending on skewer thickness. Next time try smaller slices or thinner threading so it cooks faster.
Ugh rubbery calamari is the worst 😭 But you’re spot on—overcooking is basically the whole problem with calamari. I usually go more like 2–3 min per side at most on medium-high, and pull as soon as it turns opaque.
Hmm, 3-4 minutes per side sounds fast for scallops—mine got a little overdone and rubbery. Maybe my grill runs hot? Still tasty though.
This is a keeper. I didn’t have scallops, so I used more shrimp and it worked. Also, threading seafood is oddly satisfying lol.
Ok but why not just toss all the seafood in a bowl and broil it? Skewers and grill feel like extra work for salad 😅 Still, flavors are good.
I’m not usually a five-spice person, but it totally worked here. Five spice + ginger + honey is a power combo. Next time I’ll maybe add a squeeze of lime.
The ingredients are kinda a lot, but it looks colorful. I might cut the honey a little—2 tbsp is a lot for soy/hoisin for me. Also do you rinse the seafood first? Lol
Totally get you—there is a lot going on here. I usually keep the honey closer to 1–1.5 tbsp if I want it less sweet with soy/hoisin. Also yes, I rinse seafood briefly and pat it dry so it doesn’t dilute the marinade.
I followed it exactly, but mine came out kinda salty. I think my soy sauce was extra salty, so I’ll reduce the salt next time and taste the marinade before marinating.
Not sure about the amount of sweetness. The honey made it taste kinda sticky-sweet with the soy sauce. Could be me, but I’d use a bit less honey or more lime/acid.